He was born July 10, 1950, to Fred Sr. and Della Florence Baldwin Sparks in Indianapolis. He married his best friend, M. Sue Lawless Sparks, on Nov. 10, 1988.

Survivors include his children, Melanie Sparks Smith, and Lori, Lisa and Brett Buskirk; five grandchildren; two brothers, Daniel and Thomas Sparks; a sister, Dorthea Sparks Pogue; 14 nieces and nephews; and 18 great-nieces and great-nephews.

Fred loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was an enthusiastic cook and loved cooking for family and friends. He was multitalented and spent his life as a musician, chef, photographer and insurance salesman.

He never met a stranger and will be remembered as the big, jolly man with a beard. Christmas was his favorite time of the year, and he will be fondly remembered by many generations of children as Santa Claus.